Collapsible Storable Handbag With Detachable Panels

ABSTRACT

A collapsible handbag comprised of a main body panel comprised of material having deformable features, two side panels, and a handle disposed on the outer surface of the main body panel, wherein all panels are attachable/detachable and can be laid down flat and folded/tuck for ease in storage or travel, and in which the panels are interchangeable with other panels of various designs. A flap panel is also attachable to one of the top edges of the main body panel as well as accessory attachment, including a coin purse or pouch, which is attachable to one of the side panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the priority date of provisional application 61/127,998 filed on May 19, 2008.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to handbags that are collapsible for better storage as well as handbags that have interchangeability features to reduce the need for multiple bags when traveling or changing wardrobes. Not only is this essential for saving storage space on a closet shelf or suitcase, the collapsible feature will allow the handbag to lay flat and/or have all side panels detached and have the body panel and flap and have the bag folded/tucked in so that the shape of the handbag will not get damaged or squished during travels (the bag will not be in 3D shape so the bag structure will be protected from pressure from a packed suitcase.

Handbags with interchangeability features are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,558 to Carey discloses a creative purse comprising a bag body with a separable decorative covering. The handbag comprises a separable decorative covering that is attachable to a bag body in a releasable manner, so that the appearance of the bag body can be changed at will when the need arises. Carey comprises two main parts in which the bag body is a compartment and the separable decorative covering is a one-piece thin flexible sheet. When a person desires to change the look of the handbag, the separable decorative covering is replaced with another separable decorative covering.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,633 to Eckstein discloses a handbag assembly according to which a variety of outer decorative coverings can be selectively attached to the main article carrying bag to suit the desired decor. The carrying bag is of flexible but sturdy construction capable of supporting whatever is intended to be carried. The sidewalls terminate at an upper rim to which is attached a pair of opposed handles, for easily supporting the carrying bag and its contents. An outer decorative covering of a desired decor substantially envelops the main article carrying bag and is attached to the carrying bag at locations proximate to the upper rim. The handles may be removable from the carrying bag and changed according to the desired decor and may be of different functional designs. Elastic members may be provided to bias the opening of the bag to a closed position or, in the alternative, positive closure devices may be utilized.

Unlike Carey and Eckstein, the present invention does not comprise a main bag or compartment to which exterior panels are attached. While Carey and Eckstein allows for interchangeability of exterior designs on a handbag, they fall short in at least two respects. First, the interchangeability features are limited. Carey comprises only one decorative cover. Eckstein comprises a detachable bottom and two side walls. Furthermore, the two handles can be replaced with other handles. Second, Carey and Eckstein do not solve the problem of reducing storage space because both require a main compartment. For example, women who travel may wish to bring one or more handbags, but are limited due to space requirements. The handbags of Carey and Eckstein would consume space because the main compartment is not collapsible.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to solve the problem of handbag storage space and limited interchangeability with a handbag that is completely collapsible with more interchangeability features, including a detachable main body panel, which includes a handle, two corresponding side panels, a flap panel, and an accessory attachment such as a coin purse. Every part of the handbag can be laid down flat and can be packed away in the same manner as folded clothing.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises a handbag having detachable panels. The handbag comprises a main body panel, wherein a deformable material having sectional folds allows for the deformable material to create variable angles between the sectional folds of the deformable material. Detachability and attachability features are disposed along the edges of the main body panel, to which two side panels also utilizing the detachability and attachability features are attached. The attachment of the side panels to the main body panel create a three-dimensional space or compartment.

The present invention also comprises a flap panel also comprised of deformable material and having detachability and attachability features disposed along at least one edge that attaches to, or detaches from, the main body panel. As an alternate embodiment, the flap may be sewn to the body panel. An accessory attachment, including a coin purse, can be attached or detached to at least one of the side panels.

Finally, the invention comprises a handle disposed on the surface area of the main body panel, wherein at least one end of the handle is attached to the main body panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the outer surface of the handbag of the present invention detached of the side panels and flap panel.

FIG. 2 shows the inner surface of the handbag of the present invention detached of the side panels and flap panel.

FIG. 3 is a close-up front view showing one particular embodiment of the detachability/attachability features of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handbag of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention comprises a handbag having detachable panels as shown and described. Referring to FIG. 1, the handbag 100 comprises a main body panel 10, wherein a deformable material having sectional folds 11 allows for the deformable material to create variable angles between the sectionals created by the sectional folds 11 of the main body panel 10, wherein detachability/attachability features 14 are disposed along the edges of the main body panel 10 of which attach to a first side panel 20 a and second side panel 20 b utilizing the detachability/attachability features 14.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the first and second side panel 20 a and 20 b have detachability/attachability features 14 disposed along the length of three edges on the first and second side panel 20 a and 20 b, correspond to the detachability/attachability feature 14 on the main body panel 10, wherein the attachment of the first and second side panel 20 a and 20 b to the main body panel 10 create a three-dimensional compartment. In one particular embodiment, at least one of the side panels 20 a and 20 b comprise at least one accessory attachment 22 including a pouch or coin purse, wherein detachable/attachable features 14 is disposed between the accessory attachment 22 and the side panel 20 b.

FIG. 1 of the handbag 100 shows a flap panel 30 comprising a deformable material, wherein detachability/attachability features 14 are disposed along at least one edge of the deformable material. The detachability/attachability features 14 of the flap panel 30 attach the flap panel 30 to the main body panel 10 also utilizing detachability/attachability features 14 disposed on either longitudinal edge 15 of the main body panel 10. As an alternative embodiment, the flap may be sewn to the body panel.

In FIG. 1 of the handbag 100, a handle 12 is disposed on the outer surface of the main body panel 10, wherein at least one end of the handle is permanently attached to the main body panel 10. In an alternate embodiment, the handle may be detachable.

In the preferred embodiment of the handbag 100 shown in FIG. 2, detachability/attachability features 14 along at least one edge of the flap 30 correspondingly attach to the detachability/attachability features 14 on the main body panel 10. However, as an alternate embodiment, the flap may be sewn to the main body panel, while other parts of the invention utilize the detachability/attachability features.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the handle 12 is permanently attached to the main body panel 10. Alternate embodiments of the handle 12 include a removable attachment to the main body panel 10.

FIG. 3 of the handbag 100, shows a close up of the side panel 20 a and the main body panel 10 having been detached from each other. The preferred embodiment of the detachability/attachability feature 14 includes corresponding snaps 16 disposed along the edge of the main body panel 10 and the side panel 20 a.

FIG. 4 shows the preferred embodiment of the handbag 100 comprising a finished construction 200, wherein the main body panel 10, side panels 20 a (not shown) and 20 b, and the flap 30, are attached to the main body panel 10 by corresponding snaps 16.

All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation. 

1. A collapsible handbag, comprising; a. a main body panel comprising material having deformable features and detachability/attachability features along the edges; and b. at least two side panels comprising detachability/attachability features disposed on at least three edges corresponding to the detachability/attachability features on the main body panel.
 2. The collapsible handbag of claim 1, wherein the detachability/attachability feature comprises snaps, magnets, hook and loop-type fasteners (Velcro), rivets, buttons, and/or zippers.
 3. The collapsible handbag of claim 1, wherein the main body panel and two side panels are interchangeable with other main body panels and with other side panels comprising different designs on the outer surfaces.
 4. A collapsible handbag, comprising; a. a main body panel comprising material having deformable features and detachability/attachability features along the edges; b. at least two side panels comprising detachability/attachability features disposed on at least three edges corresponding to the detachability/attachability features on the main body panel; and c. a handle disposed on the main body panel.
 5. The collapsible handbag of claim 4, wherein the handle is detachable.
 6. A collapsible handbag, comprising: a. a main body panel comprising a deformable material having sectional folds which create variable angles between the surface of the deformable material, wherein detachability/attachability features disposed along the edges of the main body panel attach to side panels utilizing detachability/attachability features; b. at least two side panels having detachability/attachability features disposed along the length of three edges on each side panel, corresponding to the detachability/attachability feature on the main body panel, wherein the attachment of the side panels to the main body panel creates a three-dimensional compartment; and d. a handle disposed on the outside surface of the main body panel.
 7. The handbag of claim 6, wherein the detachability/attachability feature comprises snaps, magnets, hook and loop-type fasteners (Velcro), rivets, buttons, and/or zippers.
 8. The handbag of claim 6, wherein the main body panel and two side panels are interchangeable with other main body panels and with other side panels comprising different designs on the outer surfaces.
 9. The handbag of claim 6, wherein the handle is detachable or sewn in.
 10. A collapsible handbag, comprising: a. a main body panel comprising a deformable material having sectional folds which create variable angles between the surface of the deformable material, wherein detachability/attachability features disposed along the edges of the main body panel attach to side panels utilizing detachability/attachability features; b. at least two side panels having detachability/attachability features disposed along the length of three edges on each side panel, corresponding to the detachability/attachability feature on the main body panel, wherein the attachment of the side panels to the main body panel creates a three-dimensional compartment; c. a flap panel comprising detachability/attachability features along at least one edge that corresponds to the detachability/attachability features disposed on at least one of the top edges of the main body panel; and d. a handle disposed on the outside surface of the main body panel.
 11. The handbag of claim 10, wherein the detachability/attachability feature comprises snaps, magnets, hook and loop-type fasteners (Velcro), rivets, buttons, and/or zippers.
 12. The handbag of claim 10, wherein the main body panel, two side panels, and flap panel are interchangeable with other main body panels and with other side and flap panels comprising different designs on the outer surfaces.
 13. The handbag of claim 10, wherein the handle is detachable or sewn in.
 14. A collapsible handbag, comprising: a. a main body panel comprising a deformable material having sectional folds which create variable angles between the surface of the deformable material, wherein detachability/attachability features disposed along the edges of the main body panel attach to side panels utilizing detachability/attachability features; b. at least two side panels having detachability/attachability features disposed along the length of three edges on each side panel, corresponding to the detachability/attachability feature on the main body panel, wherein the attachment of the side panels to the main body panel creates a three-dimensional compartment; c. an accessory attachment, including a coin purse or pouch, that can be attached or detached to the outer surface of at least one of the side panels; d. a flap panel comprising detachability/attachability features along at least one edge that corresponds to the detachability/attachability features disposed on at least one of the top edges of the main body panel; and
 6. a handle disposed on the outside surface of the main body panel.
 15. The handbag of claim 14, wherein the detachability/attachability feature comprises snaps, magnets, hook and loop-type fasteners (Velcro), rivets, and/or zippers.
 16. The handbag of claim 14, wherein the main body panel, two side panels, and flap panel are interchangeable with other main body panels and with other side and flap panels comprising different designs on the outer surfaces.
 17. The handbag of claim 14, wherein the handle is detachable or sewn in.
 18. A collapsible handbag, comprising: a. a main body panel comprising a deformable material having sectional folds which create variable angles between the surface of the deformable material, wherein detachability/attachability features disposed along the edges of the main body panel attach to side panels utilizing detachability/attachability features; b. at least two side panels having detachability/attachability features disposed along the length of three edges on each side panel, corresponding to the detachability/attachability feature on the main body panel, wherein the attachment of the side panels to the main body panel creates a three-dimensional compartment; c. a flap panel wherein at least one edge is sewn to the main body panel; and d. a handle disposed on the outside surface of the main body panel, wherein the handle is detachable or sewn in.
 19. The handbag of claim 18, wherein the detachability/attachability feature comprises snaps, magnets, hook and loop-type fasteners (Velcro), rivets, buttons, and/or zippers.
 20. The handbag of claim 19, wherein the main body panel and two side panels are interchangeable with other main body panels and with other side panels comprising different designs on the outer surfaces. 